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Gas Cylinders

The Problem

Compressed or liquefied gas cylinders offer a safe, convenient energy supply. Millions of households nationwide use refillable propane gas tanks with barbecue grills and other appliances. Many people also use non-refillable gas cylinders for camping, RV’s, and heating. Because of this, national parks end up with large amounts of cylinder waste—Yosemite National Park handled 23,000 cylinders in 2014.

Most of these cylinders can be reused or recycled if handled in a way that mitigates hazards. Leftover gas runs the risk of combustion, corrosion, toxicity, or reactivity; improper disposal of gas cylinders can place workers at risk of serious injury and cause damage to buildings and equipment.

A Solution

Refillable 1-lb gas cylinders

PSI held dialogue meetings in Florida and Massachusetts in 2003 and in Wisconsin in 2009 to discuss voluntary gas cylinder recycling programs, including the idea for refillable 1-lb gas cylinders.

Non-refillable fuel canisters are made of steel or aluminum and can be recycled through participating curbside recycling programs. However, consumers must safely empty fuel canisters before placing them with other metal recyclables. Manufacturers should provide support and education to both waste managers and consumers to encourage the safe collection and recycling of their products. Some hazardous waste collection programs – like Orange Drop Ontario -- provide safe gas cylinder recycling and collection.

20-lb propane tank exchange services

Tank exchange companies collect used 20-lb propane tanks, refill them, and redistribute them to retailers (generally wire cages outside of stores and gas stations). The two largest national tank exchange operations are Blue Rhino and AmeriGas. Californiaretailers go a step further by providing not only exchange but recycling and refilling services at their stores.

PSI brings various stakeholders together so that state and local governments, private industries, and environmental organizations can together create programs and develop solutions that address the need for convenient, safe gas cylinder recycling.

In 2003, PSI facilitated three multi-stakeholder dialogues in Sarasota County, Florida between representatives from propane industry associations, tank manufacturers and recyclers, retailers and dealers of propane tanks, environmental/consumer advocates, state and local government agencies, and waste management companies, to explore management options and issues for 20-pound refillable propane tanks and 1-pound pressurized gas cylinders. In 2009, PSI facilitated a gas cylinders recycling workshop in collaboration with Worthington Cylinders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Supports Implementation

PSI supports and advises on the implementation of voluntary programs, including collection surveys, evaluations, outreach materials, and program models. In 2003, following three stakeholder dialogues in Florida, PSI indentified issues related to the collection and management of non-refillable 1-lb gas cylinders and provided recommendations for improved product management.

Advocates for EPR Legislation

PSI monitors, informs and advocates for product stewardship legislation for gas cylinders. There are currently no extended producer responsibility laws for gas cylinders.

Creates Toolkits and Online Resources

PSI provides tools for governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders that wish to start or promote programs related to the safe management of refillable propane tanks.

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